White Rock residents and business leaders urge amalgamation with Surrey to boost governance, services, and value for tax dollars via an online petition.
Governance Gaps Fuel Push for Union
A coalition of White Rock businesspeople and residents, operating under the name Concerned Residents and Business Leaders of White Rock, launched an online petition advocating the amalgamation of White Rock into the adjacent city of Surrey. The petition cites “a lack of transparency, fairness and responsible governance” in White Rock’s current leadership as key motivators.
Promised Benefits of Joining Forces
The petition underscores multiple advantages of amalgamation. It claims that Surrey’s larger, more efficient administrative systems already ensure greater transparency and accountability, and offer swifter public services. It also frames a merger as a path toward a broader tax base and more judicious use of taxpayer dollars, streamlining permitting processes and alleviating municipal inefficiencies.
Local Challenges Spotlighted
Significant concerns are listed in the petition: White Rock’s tree-cutting policy, taxation levels, accelerated property insurance and tax costs, delays in business permit approvals, and development matters relating to unceded Indigenous lands are among the grievances shared by petitioners.
Current Status of the Campaign
Initiated by petition starter Avtar Gill, the online campaign had collected 215 signatures by midday, Monday, August 18, 2025. At that point, Maple News Wire contacted both municipalities for comment.
Response from Municipal Authorities
White Rock’s media relations coordinator, Gagan Lidhran, confirmed that “the City of White Rock is aware of the online petition and will monitor and review as needed.” However, the statement added, “At this time, no additional information is available to share.” Meanwhile, Surrey had not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Next Steps and Implications
If towers of support mount for the petition, this could prompt formal deliberations at the municipal or provincial level. Amalgamation would require extensive consultations, feasibility studies, and political consensus. Observers suggest the outcome could reshape the local governance landscape—potentially delivering service improvements, cost efficiencies, or stirring local pride debates.
